| Third Person |

Lyall cracked his back, grimacing as he did so. He had talked to Emma, telling her he was gonna stay in town for a while. She was honestly shocked, but decided to let him be-which was suspicious on it's own-and left for Boston. Lyall, disappointed, headed to the Inn Ruby told him about. It was her Granny's, and the place was supposed to be nice. Which was what led him here. He stared up at the Inn, exhausted. Digging into his pockets for his wallet, Lyall trudged up the steps, humming to himself.

He pushed open the door, looking around curiously. It had a homey feel, with soft tones. However, the peaceful atmosphere was disturbed by the eerie cobwebs hovering around in corners and on lights. Shifting his feet nervously, Lyall approached the counter, looking around for Granny. Seeing no one, he blew out a breathe and rang the small bell on the counter.

There was a minute of silence, in which Lyall dug out some cash-they didn't take credit cards it seemed-before once again checking out the area. His attention was drawn to a crossbow hanging on the wall, and he reached out touch it with gentle fingertips. Just as he was about to touch the string, Granny's voice came out from behind him, "You like it?"

Lyall jumped, whirling around to find an amused Granny and Ruby. He sheepishly smiled, "Sorry. But, uh, yeah. It's pretty cool." He briefly eyed Ruby, who wore short shorts and a long sleeved shirt. He turned back to Granny, moving forward. "I was hoping to rent a room?"

"Oh!" Granny exclaimed in surprise, "Of course!" She hurried behind the counter, and Ruby backed up so she leaned against a nearby wall.

Lyall, against his will, couldn't help but cast an appreciative look to her long legs. He quickly caught himself, moving to leaned his arms on top of the counter. Granny gave him an impressed look, as if catching himself from staring at Ruby was a big feat. He mumbled a soft sorry, watching as the older women pulled out a large book. She dropped on the counter, a large dust plume springing up after it. Lyall coughed as Granny opened it to a page. She looked up at him with a smile, "So how long will you be staying?"

Lyall thought for a moment. "As of right now? Indefinitely I suppose. I don't when I'll be leaving so..."

The old women nodded, "Of course. Now would you like a square view of forest view? Square cost more, but you can see the whole town from there."

Lyall smiled, "Square it is than. So how much?"

Granny jotted down his room, not looking up as she answered. "That'll be $60.00, and that's for today. Rent would be $40.00 every night."

Lyall raised his eyebrows in slight surprise, as a normal hotel usually cost more. Pulling out $100 he handed it to Granny, "For tonight and tomorrow night."

She smiled kindly at him. "Thank you." Turning to her Grand-daughter, she said, "Why don't you take Mr...?"

Lyall laughed slightly, "Swan, Lyall Swan."

Granny nodded, "Mr. Swan to his room?" She reached out a took a key with the number 125 on it and gave it to Ruby.

The brunette sighed, but nodded. She smiled flirtatiously at Lyall who gave a friendly one in return before motioning him to follow. Lyall nodded to Granny as he passed, but otherwise said nothing to the older women. Turning forward, Lyall watched in amusement as Ruby hummed and hopped up the stairs. His eyes once more drifted, but Lyall quickly caught himself before he did something stupid.

Ruby spoke up, now heading down the hallway, "So what brings you here?" She stopped in front of a door, and eyed him in confusion, "I mean, this isn't an interesting town really."

Lyall chuckled a bit, "I uh, I don't know about that." He grinned at Ruby, taking the time to notice how pretty she was. Then he shrugged, "Far more interesting than where I've lived I can tell you."

Ruby stopped in front of a door, and leaned against it, eyes bright as she asked, "More interesting? Yeah sure, cutie."

Lyall smirked, and grinned in slight embarrassment, "Cutie?" He asked, startled. He had been called many things, and 'cutie' wasn't one of them. His grin widened as Ruby grinned right back at him.

"Well of course," She said in light teasing voice, "With eyes like yours? Definitely cute, if not more."

Lyall threw his head back and laughed. "My eyes?" He asked raising a hand to cover his mouth and he looked at girl. He had definitely not been complimented on his eyes before.

Ruby nodded back, just as amused, "Bright cerulean eyes, like in fanfiction."

Lyall doubled over, tears springing to his eyes, "Fan-Fanfiction b-blue eyes!" He choked out, before looking back at the brunette. Standing back up he wiped his eyes, unable to remove the silly grin he had on his face. "That's uh, that is the first time someone has said that to me."

Ruby gave him a slightly surprised look, "Seriously? I mean I am sure they haven't said fanfiction blue or cerulean blue, but you have amazing eyes, Lyall."

Lyall's grin got wider and he shuffled his foot, "Well, uh thanks, I mean it."

Ruby shook her head fondly, and then pushed herself from the wall. She then motioned to the door in front of her. "Well, this is it." She turned and walked past him, brushing a hand against his shoulder in a classic flirty move as she did. Ruby turned and smirked at him over her shoulder, "Enjoy your stay in Storybrooke."

Lyall nodded at her, "Will do."

Ruby walked away, swaying her hips. Lyall watched her as she did, grin falling. Something was wrong with this town, and it set his nerve endings on edge. Shaking his head, Lyall opened the door to his room with a smile.

If only he knew what his presence would cause

When Lyall woke up, it was too the sound of his phone ringing. Grumbling in annoyance, Lyall blindly reached over, eyes closed. His hand closed over the phone and groggily he answered it. "He'o?" He asked, words slurring.

There was a pause, then: "Is this Lyall Swan?" The voice was male, and his tone meant business.

Lyall straightened up instantly, suddenly wide awake and worried. "Yes, this is he. Who's asking?"

There was a sigh, a static briefly rushed through the phone, "I'm sorry about this, but your sister, Emma?, she's here in my station."

Lyall jumped out of bed, and rushed towards his duffle and quickly grabbed a fresh pair of jeans and another shirt. "Is Emma okay?" Lyall demanded, worry seeping into his tone. Without looking at the shoes he grabbed, Lyall stuffed his feet in, not bothering with socks.

The man on the other end gave another sigh, "She's fine, a little bruised but fine."

Lyall grabbed his wallet and phone, stuffing them into his pants before opening the door to his motel. He was surprised to see Ruby on the other side, hand poised to knock. Eyes wide, Lyall fought down his blush as he said to the person on the phone: "I'll be at the station in a few minutes. She is in Storybrooke still right?"

Ruby gave him a confused look, but Lyall didn't notice, to busy listening to the man on the other side of his phone say "Yeah, glad your still near, she is still sleeping actually."

"Good. I'll be there soon to bail her out." Lyall said, before pulling the phone from his ear and hanging up. He visibly sagged against the door, and sighed shakily. Ruby bit her lip and stepped forward, placing her hand on his arm.

"Is everything okay?" She asked, brown eyes peering into green with worry.

Lyall reached up and placed his head in his hands, "Emma got arrested for something. Maybe she crashed? God, I don't know."

Ruby sighed, and then pulled Lyall's hand from his face. "I'm sure she's fine. Emma is your...?" Her voice trailed, and suddenly she looked hesitant, as though she thought Lyall and Emma where something else.

"Sister!" Lyall cried, a flush building on his face, "Crap, you are the second person to say that to me."

Ruby giggled, and then looped her arm with his. "Well, cutie, I am going with you to bail out your sister."

Lyall gave her a surprised look, "Really? You don't have to do that you know."

Ruby shrugged, "I want to."

Lyall laughed, "Alright, Red, come with me." He walked forward, closing the door behind him and feeling infinitely better and not realizing Ruby hadn't moved. When he did, he stopped and turned to find that her face had gone blank, and her eyes glazed. Concerned, he moved back in front of the woman, and snapped his fingers in front of her face.

Nothing.

Growing worried, Lyall asked her, "Ruby, Ruby? Ruby! What's wrong!" He reached up and touched her. As if coming from a horrible memory, Ruby reached up and slapped Lyall, like she was seeing someone else. "Ow! Damnit!" Lyall cursed.

"Oh My God! I am so sorry! I didn't mean to-Oh God I am so sorry Lyall!" Ruby cried reaching up and trying to look at the red print on his cheek.

Lyall waved her off. "It's nothing. Let's just-uh. Let's go." Lyall hurried down the hall, a guilty Ruby following.

When they walked through the doors to the Sheriff station-Ruby had given directions-it was too a dark haired women arguing with Lyall's sister.

"Do you know where he is?" She demanded angrily.

Emma sighed, "Lady I haven't seen him since I dropped him at your place," She smirked at the dark haired women, "And I kinda have a good alibi."

The lady scoffed, "Well he wasn't in his room this morning."

Lyall caught Emma's eye as she said, "Did you try his friends?"

The women huffed, "Well he doesn't really have any. He's kind of a loner."

Lyall bit his lip and moved forward, ignoring the way his chest ached at the thought a child had no friends. "Every kid has friends. Did you check this kids computer?" He said stuffing his hands into his jeans. Ruby came up beside him, and Lyall scowled when Emma rose an eyebrow at him.

The women whirled around eyes hard. She was the same height as Emma, with short wavy black hair, and deep chocolate eyes. She had pale skin and was wearing a grey business suit. Her lips were painted pinkish red, not unlike Ruby's. Narrowing her eyes, she quickly demanded, "And who the hell are you?" Her eyes slid to Ruby and narrowed further, "Miss. Lucas what are you doing here?"

Lyall frowned, "She came with me to bail out my sister. The blonde in the red jacket. The name's Lyall, by the way."

The women eyed him differently now, as though he were a threat to be taken out, "You're Henry's Uncle?"

Lyall gave the women another look, "I take it you're his Mom?"

She sniffed, "And the Mayor."

Lyall moved so he stood in front of the women, Ruby close behind, "Well does this...esteemed Mayor, have a name?" His tone was slightly sarcastic, and he could see from the corner of his eye both Ruby and the Sheriff go wide eyed.

The Mayor lifted her head haughtily, and peered down her nose at Lyall, "Regina Mills."

"Well Miss. Mills, if you need help finding Henry," He paused and then amended, "That is, if Henry is the one you're looking for. Emma and I can help you. Did you try his email?"

She crossed her arms and eyed both Emma and Lyall, "You know this how?"

Emma scowled right back at Regina, "Finding people is what we do, plus Lyall being a gym trainer, but that's another thing." She grinned now, "I have an idea. How about you guys let me out, and I'll help you find him." She gave the Sheriff a slightly hopeful look.

There was a moment of silence before the Sheriff shrugged and moved forward to let out Emma. The Mayor gave him a disbelieving look, then shook her head ad turned to leave. Lyall turned to Ruby, a sheepish smile in place. "Looks like Em is fine, so I'll see you later Red." Lyall told her.

Ruby faltered, and Lyall noticed the Mayor snap her head to look wide eyed at Lyall. "Why did you call me Red?" Ruby asked, as if digging for something out of reach.

Lyall shrugged, "Uh, your hair really. And you wear a lot of Red I suppose. It just suits you."

Ruby hummed before giving the man a bright smile, "Alright I'll see you later." She turned and strolled out, walking past Regina and not noticing the look Regina was giving her. Lyall however, did, and made a mental note to ask Henry who the Mayor was in the book.

Lyall turned to Emma, "I'll go sniff him out the old fashioned way, you, The Sheriff, and Miss. Mills track him down the other way." Emma nodded, so Lyall turned to the Mayor, "How many Elementary schools are there? Or is he in Middle School?"

"Elementary and only one." Regina answered.

Lyall breathed deeply and then pursed his lips. "Got it." Spinning on his heel, Lyall hurried out. He had a school to go to.

Lyall peered into the room that the school office told him Henry was apart of. The teacher was quietly watching over the kids as they constructed what looked like a birdhouse. Her eyes found his, and Lyall froze hand raised to knock on the wood. The woman walked to him, a warm smile on her face, and when she was close enough, quietly asked, "Hello, can I help you?"

Lyall blinked, startled to find he and the women shared similar noses and smiles. "Uh yeah," He started awkwardly, "Have you seen henry Mills today? We're looking for him. I'm uh, Lyall by the way, Lyall Swan."

The woman grinned, "Mary-Margaret Blanchard. And no I thought he was with his Mom home sick."

Lyall frowned, "Do you have any idea where he might be? Me and my sister are looking for him to help the Mayor," Lyall scowled and muttered, "Though she doesn't like it."

"Why wouldn't they Mayor like it?" Mary-Margaret asked.

Lyall flushed, "Did I say that out loud?"

She giggled, "You did." She confirmed.

Lyall sighed, "Emma, my sister, is his birth Mom. Henry came and found us not that long ago, just yesterday in fact."

Mary-Margaret nodded with a hum, "I suppose I know where he might be. He's got this castle he sits in, down by the beach line. Just head to the docks and take a left. Keep walking till you see it."

Lyall gave her a wide grin, "Thank you so much Miss. Blanchard."

Mary-Margaret waved him off, "It's Mary-Margaret, and no problem. You seem pretty trust worthy." She leaned forward to faux whisper "I am a pretty good judge of character."

Lyall winked 'secretly' and then turned and headed off again. The nerve grinding feeling increased ten fold. It was then Lyall knew he had to talk to Henry. Something just wasn't right.

Lyall leaned against the feeble wood of Henry's castle, watching the clock in the distance. It was stuck on 8:15, and just by looking at the poor kid Lyall could tell Henry was disappointed. "You know," Lyall started, "You might be right about one thing kid. This place gives me the chills."

"It's the Curse." Henry insisted, "None of them remember who they are, who they love." He sunk into the wood, eyes sad. "I thought by bringing Emma here, time would start again, the Final battle would begin." Henry turned to Lyall eyes bright, "But nothing's changed."

Lyall gave him a sad look, "Kid, look. I know something's is definitely up with this place. I mean just this morning Ruby had some weird freak out-"

"She did?" Henry asked, suddenly very interested.

"I called her Red and she just blanked. When I finally snapped her out of it, she uh, slapped me." Lyall told his nephew, a bit awkwardly.

Henry grinned from ear to ear, "You did something! Red is who Ruby really is. Like Red Riding Hood!"

"Seriously?" Lyall asked, reaching up absent mindedly to fiddle with his Wolf Pendant, "I didn't peg her for the type to travel around in Dark Forests without some kind of protection."

Henry shrugged, "The stories are a lot different from the truth."

Lyall hummed, "Look kid, I gotta take you back, you know that right?"

Henry leaped up a grasped his hand desperately, "No! Don't take me back there! My life sucks!"

Lyall squatted down, "Kid I am sure that isn't true. No matter what she does The Mayor does care about you. Trust me when I say your life doesn't suck."

Henry glared at him, "How would you know!?"

"You know what sucks? Living with a family who didn't want you and wasn't afraid to show it." Green eyes blazing, Lyall plowed on, "Now I never told Em this, but this family hated my guts cause they were forced to take me in."

Henry faltered, "You-You weren't with Emma the whole time?"

Lyall sighed, "Kid, I got the short end of the stick. People don't want twins, and they generally like girls more. I wasn't adopted till I was four, and I was stuck with those people till I was six. It wasn't fun, Henry."

Henry looked down, slightly ashamed.

Lyall stood, "Come on, I'm sure your Mom is worried. Emma is looking for you to." Lyall hesitated as he glanced at the disappointed child standing in front of him. Shaking his head, Lyall nudged Henry to get moving, and together they walked to the town. "For the record," He started, not looking at Henry as the boy looked up to him, "I believe your Curse theory. Nothing seems right in this town."

If Henry took a brighter shine to Lyall, and the Mayor hated him even more, Lyall Swan took no notice. Instead he made his way back to the Inn, well aware Emma was following.

"I'd like a room." Emma was saying to Granny as Ruby and Lyall watched quietly.

"Really? That's wonderful! Square or Garden? Normally Square cost more but tonight is rent so I'll wave it off." Granny said, taking out the log book.

Lyall gave Granny a look of mock-offense, "What? She gets a discount and I don't?"

Granny chuckled, "Sorry dear." She turned back to Emma, "And what's the name?"

"Swan, Emma Swan."

Granny rose an eyebrow, "Why you introduce yourselves the exact same way." Granny shook her head, "Lyall and Emma."

"Emma?" A new voice asked curiously.

Next to him, Lyall felt Ruby grow tense, and watched through curious eyes as Granny went from cheerful to serious. Emma turned to look at the man who had walked in. He was a slightly older gentleman, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He was short, and had cane that he leaned against. Emma frowned, and watched as Granny quickly hand over a roll of money.

"Emma," He said again, "What a lovely name." And then turned to walk out the door. As he did so, he caught sight of Lyall who narrowed his eyes. "And you are?" He asked politely.

"Lyall Swan." Lyall said, eyes hard as he gazed at the man. There was something about the man that gave him the chills.

"Welcome to Storybrooke Mr and Miss. Swan." He welcomed, before turning and walking out.

"Who was that?" Emma asked.

"Mr. Gold." Ruby piped up, voice wary. Her eyes were trained on the door, "He owns the place."

"The Inn?" Lyall asked.

"No," Ruby told him gravely, and turned to look at him. "The town."

Lyall nodded. and didn't say anything until Emma went upstairs. Today had be an interesting day.

It wasn't until he got to his room that he noticed the clock had moved.